Fishing in Orkney: Trout Lochs, Sea Angling, and Charter Boats

With hundreds of miles of coastline, dozens of productive freshwater lochs, and nutrient-rich waters teeming with life, Orkney is a world-renowned destination for anglers. Whether you dream of casting a fly for wild brown trout on a windswept loch, battling powerful cod from a charter boat in Scapa Flow, or spinning for pollack from rugged coastal rocks, the islands offer diverse and rewarding fishing opportunities. This guide explores the best of Orkney angling, covering freshwater lochs, sea angling from shore and boat, regulations, and essential tips for your trip.

Freshwater Loch Fishing: The Realm of the Brown Trout

Orkney's freshwater lochs are famed for their populations of hard-fighting, wild brown trout. Unlike stocked fisheries, these are truly wild fish, making success all the more rewarding.

• Key Lochs:
  • Loch of Harray: Orkney's largest loch, shallow and fertile, known for abundant trout averaging 10-12oz, with larger specimens common. Excellent for wading early season (March-June) or boat fishing later.
  • Loch of Stenness: A unique brackish loch connected to the sea, holding both brown trout and sea trout (especially Aug-Oct). Can be challenging but rewarding.
  • Loch of Boardhouse & Hundland: Peat-stained lochs offering good numbers of smaller, free-rising trout, often good choices in windy conditions.
  • Loch of Swannay: Known for potentially large, but often elusive, trout in its darker waters.
• Season & Permits: The official trout season runs from mid-March to the end of September (sometimes early October). Fishing is managed by the Orkney Trout Fishing Association (OTFA). Permits are generally required, often obtained via OTFA membership (very reasonably priced) or sometimes through local hotels/landowners. Check the OTFA website for current details.
• Methods: Fly fishing is the predominant method. Traditional wet flies (e.g., Zulu, Soldier Palmer, Bibio) on floating or intermediate lines work well early season. Dry flies (e.g., Hoppers, Sedges) are effective during summer hatches. Dapping (presenting a fly on the surface using a long rod and floss line) is a traditional Orkney technique, especially effective from a drifting boat.
• Boat Hire: Hiring a boat is highly recommended for effectively covering the larger lochs like Harray and Stenness. Boats can often be hired via hotels bordering the lochs (e.g., Merkister Hotel for Harray) or through OTFA contacts.

Sea Angling from the Shore

Orkney's extensive coastline offers numerous accessible marks for shore anglers:

• Locations: Piers in Kirkwall and Stromness can be productive for mackerel in summer and other smaller species. Rock marks around coastal defences (e.g., Hoxa Head, Ness Battery) or cliffs offer chances for pollack, coalfish, and wrasse. Sandy beaches can yield flatfish, while estuaries might hold sea trout (check specific regulations).
• Target Species:
  • Pollack & Coalfish: Found around rocky ground and kelp beds. Respond well to lures (spinners, plugs, soft plastics) and bait (mackerel strip, sandeel).
  • Wrasse: Hard-fighting fish caught close to rocks using crab or worm baits.
  • Mackerel: Arrive in summer (July-August) and can be caught easily on feathers or small spinners from piers and deep-water rock marks.
  • Sea Trout: Found in estuaries and shallow bays, often targeted with fly fishing gear or small lures (specific season applies).
• Tips: Check tide times, as many marks fish best on certain states of tide. Be aware of slippery rocks and wave conditions – safety is paramount.

Sea Angling by Boat & Charter Trips

Getting afloat opens up access to deeper water, wrecks, and offshore reefs, targeting larger species:

• Charter Boats: Several charter boats operate from Kirkwall, Stromness, and other harbours, offering full-day trips. Operators like the Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association (OISAA) run vessels like the 'Welcome Home'. Booking well in advance is essential.
• Fishing Grounds:
  • Scapa Flow: Famous for wreck fishing, targeting large cod, ling, and coalfish that congregate around the sunken German fleet and blockships.
  • Pentland Firth & Outer Waters: Offer chances for bigger specimens, including large cod, ling, pollack, common skate (often over 100lb, strictly catch and release), and occasionally halibut or torsk.
• Target Species & Tactics: Heavy boat rods, strong braided line (30-50lb+), and large lures (pirks, shads) or baited rigs (mackerel, squid) are typically used. Expect strong tides requiring heavy weights (up to 1.5lb).

Regulations, Seasons, and Conservation

• Trout Season: Generally mid-March to late September/early October. Check OTFA rules.
• Sea Angling Season: Possible year-round, weather permitting, but summer offers the best variety (mackerel) and conditions. Cod fishing is often best in spring and autumn.
• Trout Size/Limits: OTFA promotes catch and release, especially for larger breeding fish. There's a recommended minimum size limit (often 10 inches), below which fish should be returned carefully. Bag limits may apply on certain waters or during competitions – check local rules.
• Sea Fish Limits: National minimum landing sizes apply to certain species if keeping fish. Catch limits may apply on charter boats. Common skate are a protected species and must be returned unharmed.
• Conservation: Practice responsible angling – handle fish carefully, use barbless hooks where appropriate, take litter home, and respect local access arrangements.

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Orkney trout fishing Harray Loch" or "Orkney sea angling charter".

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for sea angling in Orkney?

Generally, no permit is required for recreational sea angling from shore or boat in UK waters, but regulations on size and catch limits must be followed.

What's the best time of year for trout fishing?

May and June are often considered prime months, with good hatches and active fish. Early season (March/April) can be good for wading, while late season (Aug/Sept) sees sea trout entering some lochs.

Can I hire fishing gear in Orkney?

Some boat hire providers or charter operators may offer gear rental, but it's best to check in advance. Specialist tackle shops in Kirkwall or Stromness can provide supplies and local advice.

Is Orkney fishing expensive?

Trout fishing permits (via OTFA membership) are very affordable. Boat hire and sea angling charters represent a greater cost but offer access to prime fishing.

Whether you prefer the contemplative solitude of fly fishing on a vast loch or the thrill of battling powerful fish in the Atlantic swell, Orkney provides a rich and varied angling experience. With its stunning scenery and strong fishing traditions, it's a destination that will hook any keen angler. Find Orkney accommodation near your preferred fishing spots to make the most of your trip.